And, as a token, gave this ring to me! (Showing ring.)

Flor. Why, miserable ape, hast thou then lost

The mere life-seeking instinct that inspires

The very meanest of thy fellow-beasts,

That thou hast come to say these things to me?

Mous. I have! I say these things to you, because

I want to die! I tried to kill myself—

But I’m no hero, and my courage failed.

(Furiously.) She’s gone from you for ever—and I come

To mock the bitter blighting of your life—